Your Communication Matters

20/12/2025

We’re coming to the end of 2025, and just like that Deborah has reached her 10th year in the field of AAC. It’s been an eye-opening and heartwarming journey so far.

Here are 10 photos and 10 reflections for the 10th year, plus some Christmas music ✝️

We will be on break from 25th Dec 2025 to 1st Jan 2026.

Happy Holidays, Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! 🎄🎁🎉

31/10/2025

27/10/2025

AAC awareness month may be ending soon, but AAC continues to impact and improve lives. Let's read what other caregivers and AAC users have to say:

❤️AAC has been a great help for both my son and I as it has significantly reduced frustration for us. We’re using it as a temporary support while he continues to develop his speech, and it’s been incredibly empowering for him being able to point to what he wants which gives him a sense of independence and confidence. -J (Parent)

❤️AAC is fun! -Rovy (AAC user)

❤️AAC can make what seemed impossible become possible!
It helps with communication with others. -Lisa (Caregiver)

❤️AAC bantu H berbicara dan tolong saya jaga dia.
(AAC helps H speak and helps me as I take care of him)
-Ida (Caregiver)

10/10/2025

We’ve gathered more quotes about AAC from our families. These are precious reminders that AAC is not just something that is widely used in other developed nations, but has impacted lives locally in Malaysia 🇲🇾 too.

💬 Here are a few heartfelt reflections from families in our community:

"AAC isn’t just for non-speaking kids—even verbal kids benefit. It reduces pressure, supports emotional expression, and helps children communicate what they really mean."

"After 5 months of using the AAC, Afiq was able to get (find and say) a lot of words. It has a very positive effect in terms of his language and speech development."

"AAC helps to lift a barrier in communication, encourage socialization and improve our quality of life."

"AAC is an excellent platform for Rovy to express herself. I strongly recommend AAC to all non-verbal children."

Every voice matters — and AAC helps make that possible. 🧡

07/10/2025

In conjunction with Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month, we approached some of our clients and caregivers to find out what they think about AAC.

Let's read what they have to say!

✨AAC is a lifeline because speech doesn't come easy for my child. AAC can be used to fill in the gaps in communication. - Dr Izam Suziani (Parent)

✨AAC makes me believe that my non-verbal son can achieve functional communication. -Wei Li (Parent)

✨AAC is good good good. - M (AAC user)

✨AAC is alternative communication (other than speech). - Norhidayah (Parent)

What are your thoughts about AAC?

26/09/2025

Today’s teletherapy session with 3-year-old N felt like an in-person session. Why? Because we both had the same tools and materials…🤩🥳😎

💖 TalkXpress Communication Book
🥔 Mr Potato Head Toy
📖 Brown Bear book

The communication book helps me understand what N is saying when his speech is unclear, and helps him learn new vocabulary.

We worked on identifying body parts with Mr Potato Head and on animal names with the Brown Bear Book. Core words such as ‘stop, more, go, same’ were also used repeatedly. He was so engaged that before we knew it we were left with only 15 minutes for caregiver training!

My SLT toolkit includes the following…
1️⃣ AAC system
2️⃣ music, songs, musical instruments
3️⃣ sensory toys (e.g playdoh, fidgets)
4️⃣ toys based on the child’s interest (e.g. cooking, trains, Mr Potato Head)
5️⃣ books (Brown Bear, Peppa Pig, ‘That’s not my’ book series, touchy feely books and interactive books)

What’s your favourite tool in therapy?

05/09/2025

Messages from a client’s mom that made our day! (Forwarded from the school)

Progress for every client looks different.
For some it looks like increased engagement,
for some it’s navigating their AAC system to find words of interest,
for some it’s learning to type on the keyboard
for others responding to what their communication partners say.

Sometimes this takes days, weeks, months or years. However, what keeps us going are small glimpses of success, small steps in the correct direction.

And when others catch the vision, when they sit down and have a conversation with our kids, when they express joy by what and how much our kids have to say, that’s priceless! ❤️🤩

Let’s keep dreaming BIG and celebrating small wins!

29/08/2025

ABCDE

A is to remind you to introduce the Alphabet 🔤
B is for demonstrating the use of Backspace (and other special keys) ⬅️
C reminds you that you can start with Copying (type out words on labels of food items, stationery packaging, YouTube Channels etc) 🏷️
D is for make it Delightful - use the keyboard while singing the phonics, ABC, EIEIO or BINGO song 🎶
E is for Encourage Exploration of the keyboard at all times (even if they type nonsense words!) 💪🏻

Any other tips for using the keyboard? Share them in the comments below!

01/08/2025

Dear KH,
From singing and using gestalts which were hard to decipher 1.5 years ago,

to
❤️requesting
❤️asking questions
❤️making comments
❤️rejecting
❤️protesting
❤️giving instructions
verbally

📱after introduction of AAC and use of Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) strategies!

It has been an honour to witness your growth over 30 therapy sessions. Wishing you all the best!

PSA : introducing AAC does not hinder speech ❇ A robust AAC system supports autistics when they are not able to use their mouth words and can contribute to the growth of literacy ❇

25/07/2025

13/06/2025

🔊Calling all therapists and teachers! Are you ready to level up your AAC skills?

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) for Professionals! Hosted by Start Smart Early Intervention Center .

Join our upcoming AAC webinar to help you better support individuals with complex communication needs.
Learn tools, strategies , & real life case studies you can apply immediately!

🔊 Register now - Limited seats available!

Get in touch with us for further details!

📞 0122338430

https://wa.me/+60122338430

28/05/2025

STORY TIME

April 2025: Client H wanted to visit Singapore 🇸🇬

At that time, some of his older siblings were in Singapore, while he stayed behind in Malaysia 🇲🇾. He felt sad and sometimes cried when they were away. When they returned, they showed him photos from their trip, and H used his AAC system to say

“Duck Boat - MBS hotel - Bus - I - house.” 😭

Upon hearing this, his mom felt really sorry for not bringing him along.

Fast forward to today... Mom shared that they will be going on a short trip soon because H has been requesting for it through his AAC app. He’s even started packing his bags in excitement!

June 2025: Client H will visit Singapore 🇸🇬🎉